Bilsdale

Bilsdale is a special place in the North York Moors National Park.

The dale lies between the viewpoints at the top of Clay Bank to the north and Newgate Bank to the south. There are farms with grassland bounded by drystone walls. There is native and conifer woodland with open moorland on the hills above.

The area is a popular tourist destination and offers a varied range of accommodation from small bed and breakfast facitilies on farms, to holiday cottages and the Buck Inn. There are many excellent walks around Bilsdale ranging from short, easy strolls to more challenging longer distance hikes. The Cleveland Way, Lyke Wake Walk and Coast to Coast pass along Hasty Bank. Mountain bike trails are becoming more popular. Stokesley and Helmsley are popular market towns nearby.

As you drive through the dale you will notice the spoil heaps at about the 900ft level resulting from jet mining in previous times. There is little sign of the alum industry at the top of Carlton Bank, following its reclamation in the 1990s. The Lords Stones café, at the top of Carlton Bank provides refreshments, accommodation and a farm shop, Near Fangdale Beck there is the old Sun Inn - a 16th century thatched cruck house which is open to the public. Bilsdale Agricultural Show is held in August each year with a host of exhibits, trade stands & entertainment, plus all the usual agricultural attractions & events.

There are many activities taking place within the dale, many centred on the village hall, which has a large hall and a meeting room to hire. There are regular domino and whist evenings. Short mat bowls is played each week. There are 2 cricket teams at Chop Gate and Spout House. The Bilsdale Local History Group (formerly the Bilsdale Study Group) meets monthly, either to discuss local history or have a walk in the area. The Arts Group also meets regularly in Seave Green.

Bilsdale online informs you about local events, the community, what you can do, and where you can stay, with details of local businesses and facilities. The rich cultural and economic history of the dale is outlined in the local history section.

We would welcome your comments on this web site. Please use the "contact us" facility. Similarly if you would like to write something about the area or your group let us know. The events list is taken from the local newsletter, Bilsdale Beacon. If you would like an event publicised, please send us the details. Finally if you would like to join the small team which monitors, edits and updates this site you would be more than welcome.